A Sample Wedding Day Timeline

Have you ever wondered what a wedding day with me looks like? How does the day run? What order do I typically shoot portraits? How do I make sure that I capture the most important events? Let me take you through a sample timeline on a wedding day with me!

1:00 – Details

When I arrive, I always like to start with the details. Typically, the bride and her girls aren’t ready at this point, so it gives me time to capture the details while they get their finishing touches. I always recommend having your details in a box or bag ahead of time so that they’re ready to go when I get there. I always start with your invitations, then branch out into bridal details, as well as groom details. From there, I will photograph close ups of the rings, and any other details that are important to you. If your reception and ceremony space is ready to go, I will also start photographing those.

2:00 – Getting Ready

After I finish up with details, I will meet up with you and your girls to do getting ready photos. At this time, my second shooter will meet up with the guys to begin their getting ready photos. This is the time that we will do a robe/PJ picture if you and your girls have matching sets. Some brides also like to pop some champagne with their girls! After capturing those shots with your girls, you will get into your dress and we will capture some shots of mom buttoning you up (after you’re already dressed of course!). Then, we will get some shots of you putting on your shoes and jewelry, as well as fixing your hair.

3:00 – First Look

After you and your groom are ready, we will prepare for your first look. If you’re not planning a first look, no worries! A lot of brides choose to do bridesmaid reveals or first looks with their dad, so that can be done at this time. The first look itself doesn’t take long, but I like to give my couples time to really soak up that moment with each other, then we will take a few portraits after.

3:45 – Wedding Party Portraits

At this point in the wedding day, I like to go ahead and start on wedding party portraits. I will typically take the girls for their photos while my second shooter takes the guys. During this time, I like to get posed portraits, as well as candids and close ups of the bouquets. I will also get a photo of the bride (or groom) with each of the bridesmaids or groomsmen. Afterwards, if you have already had a first look, we will do some with the whole wedding party. If you have not had a first look, we will get these after the ceremony.

5:00 – Ceremony

The time has finally come! You have spent months (maybe even years) preparing for this moment. All of your nerves are probably coming to a head, but it will be so worth it in about thirty minutes. My second shooter and I will strategically place ourselves in positions to make sure that we capture the most important moments – the bride walking down the aisle and the groom’s reaction. After you two are hand in hand, we will spend the time getting different angles until it’s time for the first kiss!

5:30 – Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour is the perfect opportunity for your guests to start celebrating while we finish photos! My second shooter will stick around at cocktail hour to capture candids of your guests enjoying this time, while I stay back with you and finish portraits. If we weren’t able to do the full wedding party photos prior to the ceremony, we will do them at this time. We will also spend this time getting the family formals with your immediate family. This is also when I like to take the majority of your wedding portraits, as well as individuals of you both.

6:30 – Reception

Time to party! After the formal portraits, the rest of the night is a breeze. I like to stay as a fly on the wall during this time to capture the wedding night as authentically as possible. Your wedding planner will have a detailed reception timeline that details the events of the night, so I will coordinate with them to make sure that we are ready to photograph everything. Have fun during this time, and I will do the rest!

9:00 – Grand Exit

The night is over and it’s time to leave. At this point in the night, most couples do a grand exit. Whether you’re doing sparklers and bubbles, I will be there to capture these final moments of the night before heading out.

Tailoring the Sample Wedding Day Timeline

This sample wedding day timeline is a basic starting point. I tailor each and every timeline to best fit the needs of my couples and their “must have” shots. Prior to the wedding, I send my couples a wedding day questionnaire that will help me make sure the photography on the day of runs smoothly.